NOVA performs EPS turnaround at Monaca, Pennsylvania

HOUSTON (ICIS)--US expandable polystyrene (EPS) producer NOVA Chemicals is in the midst of a turnaround at its 81,000 tonne/year Monaca plant in Pennsylvania, the company confirmed on Wednesday.

The planned turnaround, which began on 31 October, is expected to last a week, the spokesman said.

A second US EPS producer is believed to be in the midst of a turnaround this week, sources said. The information could not be confirmed with the company.

While some sources were concerned the turnarounds might create tightness in the market, others said it appeared they weren't having a significant impact because the companies had sufficient inventory to make up for lost production.

EPS demand typically begins its seasonal drop off beginning in October and continuing through February, sources said, adding that many producers choose to perform maintenance on their plants during those months.